A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Have you noticed that human beings tend to mimic other people’s emotions, especially if we’re sitting or standing right across from them? We do that because of mirror neurons in our brains that allow us to sympathize and to mirror what other people feel.
For instance, if somebody gets angry with you, you get angry back. If somebody is really miserable and you hang around that person long enough, you get miserable too.
In the same way, when someone raises their voice against you, you usually raise your voice back. Then they raise their voice higher. Then you raise your voice higher. Then pretty soon things have escalated, and your emotions are out of control. But the Bible offers a different way to respond: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).
Let me give you a little tip that will save you a lot of heartache and conflict in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, and at work: When another person raises their voice, lower yours. When you do that, you’re demonstrating strength under control.
Another word for strength under control is gentleness. Gentleness defuses conflict. It de-escalates anger. A gentle person does not overreact and is not driven by emotions. A gentle person demonstrates strength under control.
The Greek word in the Bible for “gentleness” is the word prautes. Some older English translations of the Bible translate prautes as “meek.” The word “meek” isn’t used much anymore because meek has become a synonym for weak. But gentleness—or prautes—is anything but weak.
In fact, the word prautes was used to refer to a wild stallion that had been tamed. Think about that image. If you go out in the hills and find a wild stallion, it’s unbridled and even dangerous, with a strength that could kill you pretty quickly. But if you tame that stallion, it’s still just as strong, but the strength is brought under control. The strength is bottled up for the master’s use.
When you learn true gentleness as a man or woman of God, you don’t become weak. You just bring your strength under God’s control and use it for his purposes.
Talk It Over
What is your normal reaction to raised voices, such as when your kids are misbehaving or you’re having a disagreement with your spouse or close friend?
Why do you think responding in gentleness rather than anger is so disarming? Why does it get people’s attention?
Look for ways to practice gentleness this week. How do people react when you respond to them with gentleness? You may even want to record your efforts and their effects and share them with your small group.
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
We come before You with gratitude for all that You are, for all that You have given us, for Your mercy and grace towards us, for Your presence and faithfulness. You created us to reflect Your image, and in doing so, to bring You glory. We confess to You that we fail to do this. Every day, we fall short. Please forgive us. Thank You for Your unfailing patience with us. Thank You for correcting our stubborn and rebellious hearts. You tell us to learn from You for You are gentle and humble in heart. (Matthew 11:29)You modeled gentleness and humility while You lived here on earth. You have dealt gently with us in our sin and rebellion. Help us to learn from You and follow Your example. So many people need a kind word, an act of compassion, a quiet voice of reason, a softly spoken encouragement, a tender touch. Help us, Jesus, to be the peacemakers. Help us to be mild-mannered. Help us to be careful with our responses and interactions with others. Help us to be those who bring calm to the storms raging in this world.
In Galatians 5, You tell us that gentleness is a fruit produced by the Spirit at work in our hearts. Father, we ask that Your Spirit would develop and grow gentleness within us. We know that we cannot bear fruit if we are not connected to You, so we cling to You, Jesus. We look to You. By following closely, we seek to emulate You. Show us when harshness and bitterness enter into our thoughts and help us to turn from our wicked ways. Soften our hearts. Soften us so that we may reflect Your gentleness and, in doing so, bring You glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Showing posts with label Strength. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Strength. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
Promise for Today - God's Plan of Defense
I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter.
Talk It Over
What practical things can you do in a tense moment to keep from speaking or acting in retaliation?
Why does God want you to remain silent when you are under attack? Why doesn’t he want you to try to prove that you’re right?
How does someone’s attack on your character say more about that person than it does about you?
Psalm 62:5-7 (GNT)
You’ll always have people in your life who misunderstand you and don’t like you. Others will criticize you, judge you, attack you, and spread rumors about you. In all of these circumstances, your natural tendency will be to fight back. When you’re misunderstood, you’ll want to defend yourself. When you’re attacked, you’ll be tempted to launch your own attack. When people criticize you, you’ll want to criticize them. When people insult you, you’ll want to hurl back your own insults.
Don’t do it! Instead, let God be your defender. Every time you are attacked, criticized, ridiculed, or misunderstood, you have two choices: You can defend yourself, or you can let God defend you. Which will it be? Who do you think can do a better job defending you? You or God? Of course, God can.
Pay attention to this: You’re most like Christ when you say nothing in the face of attacks, lies, and unfair criticism. You’re most like Jesus when you remain silent and leave it in God’s hands. The Bible says, “When [Jesus] was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge” (1 Peter 2:23 GNT). In the face of his unjust conviction and persecution, Jesus did not fight back. When it mattered most, he trusted God to defend him and bring ultimate justice.
King David was criticized and attacked his entire life. In fact, people repeatedly wanted to kill him because they were jealous of him. But David said this: “I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter” (Psalm 62:5-7 GNT).
People will be jealous of your success, and some will even want to attack you. But like David, you need to let God be your protector, your Savior, your defender, your victor, and your shelter.
Let God handle it. Let him be your defense.
You’ll always have people in your life who misunderstand you and don’t like you. Others will criticize you, judge you, attack you, and spread rumors about you. In all of these circumstances, your natural tendency will be to fight back. When you’re misunderstood, you’ll want to defend yourself. When you’re attacked, you’ll be tempted to launch your own attack. When people criticize you, you’ll want to criticize them. When people insult you, you’ll want to hurl back your own insults.
Don’t do it! Instead, let God be your defender. Every time you are attacked, criticized, ridiculed, or misunderstood, you have two choices: You can defend yourself, or you can let God defend you. Which will it be? Who do you think can do a better job defending you? You or God? Of course, God can.
Pay attention to this: You’re most like Christ when you say nothing in the face of attacks, lies, and unfair criticism. You’re most like Jesus when you remain silent and leave it in God’s hands. The Bible says, “When [Jesus] was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge” (1 Peter 2:23 GNT). In the face of his unjust conviction and persecution, Jesus did not fight back. When it mattered most, he trusted God to defend him and bring ultimate justice.
King David was criticized and attacked his entire life. In fact, people repeatedly wanted to kill him because they were jealous of him. But David said this: “I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter” (Psalm 62:5-7 GNT).
People will be jealous of your success, and some will even want to attack you. But like David, you need to let God be your protector, your Savior, your defender, your victor, and your shelter.
Let God handle it. Let him be your defense.
Talk It Over
What practical things can you do in a tense moment to keep from speaking or acting in retaliation?
Why does God want you to remain silent when you are under attack? Why doesn’t he want you to try to prove that you’re right?
How does someone’s attack on your character say more about that person than it does about you?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
You are our refuge and our shield, our strong tower in times of trouble. Stand before us, Lord, as our defender against every seen and unseen danger. Surround us with Your mighty presence, and let no weapon formed against us prosper. When fear tries to creep in, fill our hearts with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Fight for us, Lord, and let Your justice prevail. We trust in Your unfailing love and rest in the safety of Your hands. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Promise for Today - Dependent Strength
You bless all who depend on you for their strength.
Psalm 84:5 (CEV)
Are you tired? Maybe you’re running on steam, and at the end of each day, you’ve run out of energy. The reason why is really simple: You’re a human being. Your strength is limited. But God’s strength is unlimited. Your strength is finite. But God’s strength is infinite. Your strength is exhaustible—that’s why you get exhausted! But God’s strength is inexhaustible. God never runs out of energy. God never gets tired.
Psalm 84:5 says, “You bless all who depend on you for their strength” (CEV). Do you want God’s blessing on your life? Then you need to depend on God for your strength.
Hudson Taylor was an influential missionary to China in the 19th century. He was a spiritual giant and a brilliant man. In his old age, he lost his health and became quite weak. He wrote a letter to a friend that said, “I am so weak I can no longer work. I am so weak I can no longer study. I am so weak I can no longer read my Bible. I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in the arms of God like a little child in trust.”
At some point in your life, you may be so weak that you can’t even pray, read the Bible, go to a Bible study, work, or really do anything. What do you do in those moments? You rest in the strength of the Lord—in his arms like a little child—and you trust.
Weakness can actually be a good thing in your life if it causes you to depend on God. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT, Paul says, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.
That’s the paradox of depending on God: The weaker you are, the more you depend on him. And the more you depend on him, the stronger you get.
Talk It Over
Why is it sometimes difficult to admit or show weakness?
How does your culture perpetuate the idea that you have to be strong all the time?
What does it mean to depend on God’s strength? What would that look like in your life?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Your Word promises that Your Strength is made perfect in our weakness. Isaiah teaches that when we wait upon You, our strength will be renewed; we will mount up with wings like eagles; we will run and not be weary and walk and not faint. And also that we don't have to fear, for You are with us. You are our God. You promise to strengthen and help us, and hold us up with Your righteous right hand. Fill our bodies with Your healing power and our spirits with unwavering faith. Grant us the peace and comfort found only in Your presence. Teach us to rest in Your timing, to trust Your plans, and to draw from the strength You provide so we can continue living for Your purpose. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 84:5 (CEV)
Are you tired? Maybe you’re running on steam, and at the end of each day, you’ve run out of energy. The reason why is really simple: You’re a human being. Your strength is limited. But God’s strength is unlimited. Your strength is finite. But God’s strength is infinite. Your strength is exhaustible—that’s why you get exhausted! But God’s strength is inexhaustible. God never runs out of energy. God never gets tired.
Psalm 84:5 says, “You bless all who depend on you for their strength” (CEV). Do you want God’s blessing on your life? Then you need to depend on God for your strength.
Hudson Taylor was an influential missionary to China in the 19th century. He was a spiritual giant and a brilliant man. In his old age, he lost his health and became quite weak. He wrote a letter to a friend that said, “I am so weak I can no longer work. I am so weak I can no longer study. I am so weak I can no longer read my Bible. I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in the arms of God like a little child in trust.”
At some point in your life, you may be so weak that you can’t even pray, read the Bible, go to a Bible study, work, or really do anything. What do you do in those moments? You rest in the strength of the Lord—in his arms like a little child—and you trust.
Weakness can actually be a good thing in your life if it causes you to depend on God. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT, Paul says, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.
That’s the paradox of depending on God: The weaker you are, the more you depend on him. And the more you depend on him, the stronger you get.
Talk It Over
Why is it sometimes difficult to admit or show weakness?
How does your culture perpetuate the idea that you have to be strong all the time?
What does it mean to depend on God’s strength? What would that look like in your life?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Your Word promises that Your Strength is made perfect in our weakness. Isaiah teaches that when we wait upon You, our strength will be renewed; we will mount up with wings like eagles; we will run and not be weary and walk and not faint. And also that we don't have to fear, for You are with us. You are our God. You promise to strengthen and help us, and hold us up with Your righteous right hand. Fill our bodies with Your healing power and our spirits with unwavering faith. Grant us the peace and comfort found only in Your presence. Teach us to rest in Your timing, to trust Your plans, and to draw from the strength You provide so we can continue living for Your purpose. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Promise for Today - Compared to Eternity
If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you.
Talk It Over
How does knowing that life is short compared to all of eternity change the way you live?
If God wants you in heaven with him, why do you think you are here on earth now? What is your purpose for the time you are here?
How are you working to fulfill your purpose?
Romans 8:11 (GNT)
God never promised that life would be fair. Heaven is where everything is done God’s way; life on Earth just doesn’t work like that. We live on a broken planet. But what happens on earth isn’t all there is to life.
You’ll spend 60, 80, or maybe 100 years on Earth. You’ll spend trillions of years in eternity. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, the Bible says you’ll spend eternity with God in heaven.
That’s one of the most important reasons Christians should be joyful—God has given us eternal life!
And eternity will be amazing!
What will heaven be like? You’ll be reunited with people you love. You’ll get rewards. You’ll rest. You’ll get responsibilities you love.
And, as Romans 8:11 says, you’ll get a new body. That’s one of the things I’m most excited about in heaven—no more decaying old body.
You were created because God wants a family. He wants to spend eternity with his family. He wants to spend eternity with you and me! And that truth can - and should - bring you great joy.
God never promised that life would be fair. Heaven is where everything is done God’s way; life on Earth just doesn’t work like that. We live on a broken planet. But what happens on earth isn’t all there is to life.
You’ll spend 60, 80, or maybe 100 years on Earth. You’ll spend trillions of years in eternity. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, the Bible says you’ll spend eternity with God in heaven.
That’s one of the most important reasons Christians should be joyful—God has given us eternal life!
And eternity will be amazing!
What will heaven be like? You’ll be reunited with people you love. You’ll get rewards. You’ll rest. You’ll get responsibilities you love.
And, as Romans 8:11 says, you’ll get a new body. That’s one of the things I’m most excited about in heaven—no more decaying old body.
You were created because God wants a family. He wants to spend eternity with his family. He wants to spend eternity with you and me! And that truth can - and should - bring you great joy.
Talk It Over
How does knowing that life is short compared to all of eternity change the way you live?
If God wants you in heaven with him, why do you think you are here on earth now? What is your purpose for the time you are here?
How are you working to fulfill your purpose?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Help us to remember that life here is fleeting - over before we know it. But for those who have accepted Christ as our Saviour, we look forward to eternity in Heaven with You and with those we hold dear... and miss so much for the time being - but in Heaven, never again to be missed... As the writer of Hebrews encouraged us - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Father, in our weakness, be our Strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 19, 2026
2026 Lenten Season - Day 27 - The Strength to Look Up
We continue the tradition of 40 days of Lent-related devotionals (46 counting the Sundays).
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
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17 “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
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What allows you to humbly and honestly look back is the invitation to look up at the same time.
I wish I could say I asked you, but I didn’t.
I wish I could say I reached for you, but it didn’t happen.
I wish I had thought that I needed help, but my mind was elsewhere.
I wish I had sought your wisdom, but I saw myself as wise.
I wish I had leaned on you, but I thought I was standing up straight.
I wish I had cast myself on your grace, but in the mirror I looked like someone who didn’t need it.
I wish I’d begun each day with you, but I was too busy.
I wish I had ended the night with you, but I was too tired.
I wish I had spent more time in your word, but I had people to see, places to go.
I wish I had looked ahead to a pathway I couldn’t traverse alone,
but I was too focused on the here and now.
I am older now with more life behind me than in front of me.
I mourn my assessments of strength,
my appraisals of wisdom,
tagging myself righteous,
my quest for independence.
I regret the moments lost, opportunities gone, dreams now faded.
If it were not for your grace, I would spend my last days in the cloud of despondency,
beating myself up, hoping to get back what is forever gone.
I would not be able to look up as I look back.
You went to the cross knowing every choice I would make,
all that your mercy would need to cover.
I can be honest about my choices.
I can confess it all,
and I can rest because your grace is that thorough and your love has that much power.
Through the years, I have learned that to find the strength to look back,
I need the grace to look up.
GOING DEEPER
Reflection Questions
1. What are some of your biggest regrets in life? As you answer this question, do you consider spiritual regrets first, or as an afterthought?
2. Which of the regrets listed do you most resonate with?
3. Write your own “I wish” poem.
Read Acts 3:17–20, and let it refresh your heart as you repent and receive God’s forgiveness.
17 “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Lent - Day 19 - An Invitation, Not a Burden
Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
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At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
Matthew 12:1-21
Whenever the Pharisees come into the story you can almost hear the melodramatic music of scheming villains playing in the background, announcing their arrival. In reality, the Pharisees were the “church-going leaders” of the time. They were the ones who, as far as the people could tell, knew God’s Word best, prayed the right ways, and faithfully went to all religious gatherings. However, Jesus helps to show us that they took everything that God had given them, everything God spoke, and emptied it of the intentions and desires of God. Out of a desire to establish a segregating holiness, a need to distinguish between those within God’s favor and those on the outside, they added legislation and clarifying definition to God’s Word. I suppose that is the tendency of our sinful natures. But we should recall Jesus’ words from the end of Matthew 11 where He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What does God desire of us? What has He given to us that we empty of its purpose? Has prayer become empty words or a burdensome requirement? Is church a thoughtless activity or an overwhelming obligation? Is there something else that needs this sort of examination? God calls us to gather in His house, pray in His name, and live in relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ not as a fulfillment of some excessive stack of legislation. These and many other things are invitations to experience the manifestation of God’s mercy in Jesus that we would find rest for our souls. So let us throw off the burdening chains of empty obligation or self-righteous demonstration. Instead, through these “things of God” may we find our strengthening and encouragement…rest for our souls.
Whenever the Pharisees come into the story you can almost hear the melodramatic music of scheming villains playing in the background, announcing their arrival. In reality, the Pharisees were the “church-going leaders” of the time. They were the ones who, as far as the people could tell, knew God’s Word best, prayed the right ways, and faithfully went to all religious gatherings. However, Jesus helps to show us that they took everything that God had given them, everything God spoke, and emptied it of the intentions and desires of God. Out of a desire to establish a segregating holiness, a need to distinguish between those within God’s favor and those on the outside, they added legislation and clarifying definition to God’s Word. I suppose that is the tendency of our sinful natures. But we should recall Jesus’ words from the end of Matthew 11 where He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What does God desire of us? What has He given to us that we empty of its purpose? Has prayer become empty words or a burdensome requirement? Is church a thoughtless activity or an overwhelming obligation? Is there something else that needs this sort of examination? God calls us to gather in His house, pray in His name, and live in relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ not as a fulfillment of some excessive stack of legislation. These and many other things are invitations to experience the manifestation of God’s mercy in Jesus that we would find rest for our souls. So let us throw off the burdening chains of empty obligation or self-righteous demonstration. Instead, through these “things of God” may we find our strengthening and encouragement…rest for our souls.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
May Your Word and work be a refreshing spring to our spirit that it would bring joy rather than burden and that we would not neglect such needful gifts of Your grace. Amen.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Reminder - How Can You Not...
"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion."
1st Kings 8:23 NLT
I have been called a wordsmith more than once in my life, but when I attempt to lay attribute to Almighty God or try to tell you how I love the Lord, I am most inept. I guess if I could sing like Whitney...well, not like Whitney, but with her passion, I would belt it out, ♪♫ I LOVE THE LORD! ♫♪ HE HEARD MY CRY...♪♫
How can you not love a God who will say to you - "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1b
How can you not TRUST a God who promises you - "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3a NLT
How can you not love a God whose Word declares when the enemy comes in like a flood, that He - God - will lift up the standard against him?
Isaiah 59:19 NKJV
"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah"
Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV
No matter what I see. No matter what I hear.
Do I know or understand why children die? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are mighty prayer warriors who die having lost the memories of all but Him? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are illnesses for which there is no cure, save a miracle from God? A miracle of healing that sometimes does not manifest on this Earth? No, I do not. But no matter if I understand it or I do not...even if I never do - this one thing I know. He is God and I am not. God of the universe. The Creator of Heaven and Earth - more than we can even begin to wrap our finite minds around. He is God and He is trustworthy and He is faithful and merciful and full of grace toward us. His grace empowers us to do His work. Unmerited favor - we couldn't earn it by our works if we tried. He sent His only Perfect Son to die - to pay the ransom price for my many sins...and for yours.
"I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps." Psalm 40:1-2 NKJV
How can we not love this God...
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word! Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You. O God, give us Your Words to speak - to shine Your Light into the darkness, to bring Your Comfort to those who mourn, Your Strength for those who are weak and heavy-laden! May Your Words be fruitful seed, watered by our tears. Give us the increase of Your Word, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Kings 8:23 NLT
I have been called a wordsmith more than once in my life, but when I attempt to lay attribute to Almighty God or try to tell you how I love the Lord, I am most inept. I guess if I could sing like Whitney...well, not like Whitney, but with her passion, I would belt it out, ♪♫ I LOVE THE LORD! ♫♪ HE HEARD MY CRY...♪♫
How can you not love a God who will say to you - "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1b
How can you not TRUST a God who promises you - "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3a NLT
How can you not love a God whose Word declares when the enemy comes in like a flood, that He - God - will lift up the standard against him?
Isaiah 59:19 NKJV
"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah"
Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV
No matter what I see. No matter what I hear.
Do I know or understand why children die? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are mighty prayer warriors who die having lost the memories of all but Him? No, I do not. Do I know or understand why there are illnesses for which there is no cure, save a miracle from God? A miracle of healing that sometimes does not manifest on this Earth? No, I do not. But no matter if I understand it or I do not...even if I never do - this one thing I know. He is God and I am not. God of the universe. The Creator of Heaven and Earth - more than we can even begin to wrap our finite minds around. He is God and He is trustworthy and He is faithful and merciful and full of grace toward us. His grace empowers us to do His work. Unmerited favor - we couldn't earn it by our works if we tried. He sent His only Perfect Son to die - to pay the ransom price for my many sins...and for yours.
"I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps." Psalm 40:1-2 NKJV
How can we not love this God...
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word! Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You. O God, give us Your Words to speak - to shine Your Light into the darkness, to bring Your Comfort to those who mourn, Your Strength for those who are weak and heavy-laden! May Your Words be fruitful seed, watered by our tears. Give us the increase of Your Word, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
A Favorite regarding Strength
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV
We're a society of multi-taskers. I think it's an incredible testament to how God created us, but I don't think we were meant to do it every day, all day long. After all, we're supposed to do ALL things in moderation, right?
At any rate, I think God showed me a new perspective of our text for today - specifically, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. How many of us claim this Scripture when we have a ton of things to do and we're already tired? Yes - I see those hands...
How many of us quote this Scripture in prayer back to God in kind of a back-handed way because we think we've already got more than enough to do and now there's one more thing and doesn't He know how busy I am, but I'll suffer through because I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength...
Somewhere along the way, the enemy of our soul has managed to warp our thinking! How many people do you know who refuse help with their tasks at hand because they think they're showing signs of weakness if they can't do it on their own? Or worse, think they're disappointing God if they can't accomplish it on their own?
When I don't have the strength to do something on my own, but someone comes alongside to help, I CAN get it done. When we have more tasks to be completed in a day than we can get done by ourselves and inside we're trying to pump ourselves up with the Word of God, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... then someone offers to help. How many of us refuse the help with, No, I can do it...
God never called us to walk alone. Hear me out. I'm not talking about your times alone with God - those are mandatory - I'm talking about the walking out part of our journey. If your load is heavy, it is made lighter by splitting it with someone, thereby increasing your strength. If you have MUCH to do, doesn't it get done more quickly if there is an extra pair of hands? This morning, I finally recognized that as another form of strength - a gift from God. I can do all things through Christ who GIVES me strength... Think about it.
What if that strength you're begging God for comes in the form of another person?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for answered prayers, even when the answer is no. Help us to recognize Your answer doesn't always fit our specs because we're not You. We acknowledge and affirm that You know what is best for our lives. Father, please give us strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV
We're a society of multi-taskers. I think it's an incredible testament to how God created us, but I don't think we were meant to do it every day, all day long. After all, we're supposed to do ALL things in moderation, right?
At any rate, I think God showed me a new perspective of our text for today - specifically, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. How many of us claim this Scripture when we have a ton of things to do and we're already tired? Yes - I see those hands...
How many of us quote this Scripture in prayer back to God in kind of a back-handed way because we think we've already got more than enough to do and now there's one more thing and doesn't He know how busy I am, but I'll suffer through because I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength...
Somewhere along the way, the enemy of our soul has managed to warp our thinking! How many people do you know who refuse help with their tasks at hand because they think they're showing signs of weakness if they can't do it on their own? Or worse, think they're disappointing God if they can't accomplish it on their own?
When I don't have the strength to do something on my own, but someone comes alongside to help, I CAN get it done. When we have more tasks to be completed in a day than we can get done by ourselves and inside we're trying to pump ourselves up with the Word of God, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength... then someone offers to help. How many of us refuse the help with, No, I can do it...
God never called us to walk alone. Hear me out. I'm not talking about your times alone with God - those are mandatory - I'm talking about the walking out part of our journey. If your load is heavy, it is made lighter by splitting it with someone, thereby increasing your strength. If you have MUCH to do, doesn't it get done more quickly if there is an extra pair of hands? This morning, I finally recognized that as another form of strength - a gift from God. I can do all things through Christ who GIVES me strength... Think about it.
What if that strength you're begging God for comes in the form of another person?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for answered prayers, even when the answer is no. Help us to recognize Your answer doesn't always fit our specs because we're not You. We acknowledge and affirm that You know what is best for our lives. Father, please give us strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Strength
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NLT
As Christians, we are so fond of this verse! We repeat it like a mantra. The more outside pressure we feel, the more we chant this verse. But do we get it?
Do we understand that this does NOT say, I can do everything in my own strength just because I know the Name of Jesus? What it DOES say is, I can do everything through Him because He's the One who gives me strength. And it does NOT say strength to stand on my own. Most of the world thinks He promises never to put more on us than we can bear - I've got a news flash for you - God has never expected us to carry anything alone.
Christ Himself invited us to yoke up with Him. In fact, what it DOES say about standing on our own strength is this in Jeremiah 17:5, This is what the Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
To that end and to drive home the Truth, please read and meditate on these Scriptures.
Exodus 15:2, The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
2 Samuel 22:30, In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:29, In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:32, God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:9, You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.
Psalm 68:35, God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Psalm 73:26, My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 81:1, Sing praises to God, our strength.
Isaiah 12:2, See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
1 Timothy 1:12, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work.
Hebrews 13:9, So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.
1 Peter 4:11, Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
1 Peter 5:10, In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Is there any room for doubt about where our strength comes from?
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but You remain the strength of my heart; You are mine forever. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Philippians 4:13 NLT
As Christians, we are so fond of this verse! We repeat it like a mantra. The more outside pressure we feel, the more we chant this verse. But do we get it?
Do we understand that this does NOT say, I can do everything in my own strength just because I know the Name of Jesus? What it DOES say is, I can do everything through Him because He's the One who gives me strength. And it does NOT say strength to stand on my own. Most of the world thinks He promises never to put more on us than we can bear - I've got a news flash for you - God has never expected us to carry anything alone.
Christ Himself invited us to yoke up with Him. In fact, what it DOES say about standing on our own strength is this in Jeremiah 17:5, This is what the Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
To that end and to drive home the Truth, please read and meditate on these Scriptures.
Exodus 15:2, The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
2 Samuel 22:30, In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:29, In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:32, God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:9, You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.
Psalm 68:35, God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Psalm 73:26, My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 81:1, Sing praises to God, our strength.
Isaiah 12:2, See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
1 Timothy 1:12, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work.
Hebrews 13:9, So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.
1 Peter 4:11, Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
1 Peter 5:10, In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
Is there any room for doubt about where our strength comes from?
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but You remain the strength of my heart; You are mine forever. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
David's Prayer
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.
Let's pray and praise in unison as David prayed and praised the one true God.
Psalm 86:1-2 NLT
Let's pray and praise in unison as David prayed and praised the one true God.
Be merciful to us, O Lord, for we are calling on You constantly. Give us happiness, O Lord, for we give ourselves to You. O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help. Listen closely to our prayer, O Lord; hear our urgent cry. We will call to You whenever we're in trouble, and You will answer us.
No pagan god is like You, O Lord. None can do what You do! All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy Name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to Your truth! Grant us purity of heart, so that we may honor You. With our whole heart, we will praise You, O Lord our God. We will give glory to Your Name forever, for Your love for us is very great. You have rescued us from the depths of death. from Psalm 86 NLT
Prayer:
No pagan god is like You, O Lord. None can do what You do! All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy Name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to Your truth! Grant us purity of heart, so that we may honor You. With our whole heart, we will praise You, O Lord our God. We will give glory to Your Name forever, for Your love for us is very great. You have rescued us from the depths of death. from Psalm 86 NLT
Prayer:
O Lord,
You are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on us. Give Your strength to us; save us, O God. Send us a sign of Your favor. Then those who hate us will be put to shame, for only You, O Lord, help and comfort us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen
You are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on us. Give Your strength to us; save us, O God. Send us a sign of Your favor. Then those who hate us will be put to shame, for only You, O Lord, help and comfort us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Lent - Day Eighteen - Stronger Faith
Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024
Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?John 7:25-26
Faith can be a difficult thing at times. There are days when awareness of Christ and the reality of his promise and truth are crystal clear, and it seems one’s faith could not be any more vibrant, certain, and alive. And then there are days when, for a variety of reasons, it is difficult to trust in God’s presence, see his plan, and hold on to his promises. Clarity of truth is replaced with a haze of uncertainty. In those times I often think how much easier it would be if I could have walked in the time of Christ, seen with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears. But passages like John 7 show us that faith came no easier at the time of Christ.
Some people heard him teach with authority and believed, while others called him crazy or blasphemous. He performed signs and some came to faith, while others wanted more signs to be certain. How can there be all this confusion and conflict when Jesus is right there?
God’s word tells us that faith is the work of the Holy Spirit. Neither human reason nor one’s will gives or strengthens faith. Jesus teaches that the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit was still to take place (John 7:39). But he promised he would send his Spirit to gather people in faith and strengthen them in that faith each day. In baptism, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on us, has brought us to faith, and daily renews our faith in all life’s ups and downs.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Strengthen me in faith each day, especially on those days when doubts creep in and worries overwhelm. Amen.
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Reading Further - John 7:25-52
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Would or Would Not?
For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
But you would not...
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
But you would not...
Isaiah 30:15 NKJV
We get an idea in our head and start to run with it. We might even make out a plan and it seems right to us, so we go with it. It's a great idea by all accounts, but it doesn't come together and we're at a loss to understand why.
Oftentimes, it is then we turn to God for guidance. If He doesn't provide the answer we want in the timeframe that we want it, we work harder, trying to make it happen in our own strength. Over the years, we learn that if WE own it, WE are responsible for its success or failure. However, if we submit our plans to the Lord and follow HIS leading, HE owns it...
So, what do we do now? We ran off headstrong in our own way before, but if we repent - In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. And verse 18 assures us, Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy. Isaiah 30:18 Christian Standard BiblePrayer:
Father,
Forgive us for our sin of being self-sufficient instead of trusting You in all things. Forgive us for those times when we "would not..." We need Your rest and salvation, Your mercy and compassion. Teach us to wait patiently for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 10, 2023
The Lord Sustains
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Psalm 54:4 NIV
We hear a lot about personal burn-out within ministry - pastors, church staff and volunteers. Ministry demands more from a person than most other vocations - spiritually definitely, but also physically and emotionally. I think it has a lot to do with how busy one gets trying to meet all the needs. We get so busy trying to DO, that we tend to forget or neglect our time with the Lord - the ONLY One in Whom we live and move and have our very being. As David tells us in our Promise for Today, Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Psalm 54:4 NIV
When we think WE have it tough, let's think about our first-century counterparts and what all they endured! In this excerpt from 2 Corinthians 11 NLT, Paul writes,
23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.
24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.
26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.
27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
And yet Paul counts it all joy - a pleasure! Chapter 12, verse 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I urge you and encourage you to make time in your busy life for Christ your Lord. Without Him, there is no strength to sustain you.
Prayer:
Father,
You promise Your strength in us in order to fulfill Your plan and purpose for our lives. You ARE our very present help in times of trouble. Strengthen and sustain us according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 12, 2021
By Request - Strength to Overcome
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 KJV
In my younger days, I could pretty much do anything I made up my mind to do. However, forty years ago when I wanted to quit smoking, I couldn't do it on my own. I smoked three packs a day - smoked them, not watched them burn. I tried to quit so many unsuccessful times. Until I submitted that addiction to the Lord, I didn't stand a chance of stopping. Even then, this is how it went.
I literally would watch the clock and say to myself, “You’ve been without a cigarette for 3 hours and 7 minutes. If you pick up a cigarette now, you’ve put yourself through 3 hours and 7 minutes of agony for nothing.”
"God, I can't do this."
“God, please get me through the next 60 seconds. I can only do this if You help me.” Literally, the next 60 seconds...
And that was the Truth, I COULD NOT, but by HIS grace and HIS mercy and HIS strength and based on HIS WORDS, I was victorious. 1st Corinthians 10:13b, And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
And He did.
Do I think cigarettes will keep someone out of Heaven? I’m not God. Scripture tells us to work out our own salvation, and I believe that means God will work on us as individuals regarding the things that He wants out of our lives and what He wants in our lives and what He wants done in our relationship with Him…because He loves us.
That’s what we have to recognize. ALL that He does, ALL that He speaks to our hearts, ALL - Everything - is because He loves us.
I had prayed and prayed for God to just supernaturally deliver me from the nicotine addiction – to take away the desire because I’d heard so many testimonies of how He had done that for others. After all, He’s no respecter of persons, right (according to Acts 10:34)? So why didn’t He just do that for me?!? However, that’s not the way He chose to deliver me from it. Why? Well, I think it's because I'm rather headstrong and stubborn-willed, and He wanted me to realize that I could not do it on my own. I learned a very valuable lesson about relying on God because I could NOT do it in my own strength.
Hebrews 12:10b-11 NLT, reassures us; God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Be encouraged today. No matter WHAT it is you're going through or trying to get through - He will see you through it. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Do it in HIS strength. That's REAL strength.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the reminder that You are always there for us - to cause us to be victorious. Your Word encourages us to confess our struggles so that we may be healed. Hasten to perform Your Word in our lives, O Lord our God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Psalm 46:1 KJV
In my younger days, I could pretty much do anything I made up my mind to do. However, forty years ago when I wanted to quit smoking, I couldn't do it on my own. I smoked three packs a day - smoked them, not watched them burn. I tried to quit so many unsuccessful times. Until I submitted that addiction to the Lord, I didn't stand a chance of stopping. Even then, this is how it went.
I literally would watch the clock and say to myself, “You’ve been without a cigarette for 3 hours and 7 minutes. If you pick up a cigarette now, you’ve put yourself through 3 hours and 7 minutes of agony for nothing.”
"God, I can't do this."
“God, please get me through the next 60 seconds. I can only do this if You help me.” Literally, the next 60 seconds...
And that was the Truth, I COULD NOT, but by HIS grace and HIS mercy and HIS strength and based on HIS WORDS, I was victorious. 1st Corinthians 10:13b, And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
And He did.
Do I think cigarettes will keep someone out of Heaven? I’m not God. Scripture tells us to work out our own salvation, and I believe that means God will work on us as individuals regarding the things that He wants out of our lives and what He wants in our lives and what He wants done in our relationship with Him…because He loves us.
That’s what we have to recognize. ALL that He does, ALL that He speaks to our hearts, ALL - Everything - is because He loves us.
I had prayed and prayed for God to just supernaturally deliver me from the nicotine addiction – to take away the desire because I’d heard so many testimonies of how He had done that for others. After all, He’s no respecter of persons, right (according to Acts 10:34)? So why didn’t He just do that for me?!? However, that’s not the way He chose to deliver me from it. Why? Well, I think it's because I'm rather headstrong and stubborn-willed, and He wanted me to realize that I could not do it on my own. I learned a very valuable lesson about relying on God because I could NOT do it in my own strength.
Hebrews 12:10b-11 NLT, reassures us; God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Be encouraged today. No matter WHAT it is you're going through or trying to get through - He will see you through it. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Do it in HIS strength. That's REAL strength.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the reminder that You are always there for us - to cause us to be victorious. Your Word encourages us to confess our struggles so that we may be healed. Hasten to perform Your Word in our lives, O Lord our God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
In Service
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
Romans 15:1-2 The Message
We love to quote Scriptures about being strong, such as Ephesians 6:10 - Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. And Isaiah 40:29 - He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Perhaps one of the most favorite ones to quote - Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. However, the great Truth contained in our Promise for Today keeps echoing in my Spirit - Strength is for service, not status. I believe it is the nuts and bolts of our Christianity.
Romans 15:1-2 The Message
Yes, love is the driving force behind all we do (or should be). I would contend that we cannot effectively serve others without love, but we also cannot love as Christ loved without our hearts and minds being changed to want to serve. Matthew 20:28 NLT, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
So, again, Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
Prayer:
Prayer:
Father,
Strengthen us for Your service. Help us to grow into the masterpiece You have designed for us to be, created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things You planned for us long ago, according to Your Word in Ephesians 2:10. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Who Encourages You?
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV
I have been very blessed that God has placed people in my life to encourage me. We all need it, especially in times like these. That's why these two verses jumped out at me. This happens to be from the NIV, but whether your Bible reads eternal comfort or everlasting consolation, it's still a show stopper! Think about that - eternal encouragement. Everlasting. Forever.
ETERNAL encouragement!
And it just gets better! God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will encourage our hearts and strengthen us! However, it is "in every good deed and word" that They will encourage our hearts and strengthen us. So, we have to be doing good deeds and sharing good words with others in order to be able to receive encouragement and strength.
That begs the question - If we find ourselves discouraged and weak, is it because we're not giving Them enough good words and deeds to work with? Something to think about...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for eternal encouragement and good hope. You are the Lifter of our heads. Establish our hearts so that all of our deeds and words are good! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV
I have been very blessed that God has placed people in my life to encourage me. We all need it, especially in times like these. That's why these two verses jumped out at me. This happens to be from the NIV, but whether your Bible reads eternal comfort or everlasting consolation, it's still a show stopper! Think about that - eternal encouragement. Everlasting. Forever.
ETERNAL encouragement!
And it just gets better! God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will encourage our hearts and strengthen us! However, it is "in every good deed and word" that They will encourage our hearts and strengthen us. So, we have to be doing good deeds and sharing good words with others in order to be able to receive encouragement and strength.
That begs the question - If we find ourselves discouraged and weak, is it because we're not giving Them enough good words and deeds to work with? Something to think about...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for eternal encouragement and good hope. You are the Lifter of our heads. Establish our hearts so that all of our deeds and words are good! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Whaddaya Know?
Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.”
Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you!"
Judges 6:14-16a CEV
We pray. God answers. Then we tell Him all of our excuses why His way won't work, based on what we know of ourselves. Why do we do that?!? We must not recognize the Creator for who He is! Perhaps we don't remember who hung the moon? (And the sun. And the stars. And the planets.)
Lyric excerpts from I Know My Redeemer Lives may serve to remind us:
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?
The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak.
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory...
It's THAT God! HE is the One who says, "Because I am going to help you!" Oh, that we would know God in His greatness better than we know ourselves in our weaknesses!
Prayer:
Father,
Please forgive us for all the times we fail to recognize You for who You are and for all the times we have minimized You and limited Your will and purpose for our lives. Once again, we repent and submit our lives to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you!"
Judges 6:14-16a CEV
We pray. God answers. Then we tell Him all of our excuses why His way won't work, based on what we know of ourselves. Why do we do that?!? We must not recognize the Creator for who He is! Perhaps we don't remember who hung the moon? (And the sun. And the stars. And the planets.)
Lyric excerpts from I Know My Redeemer Lives may serve to remind us:
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?
The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak.
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory...
It's THAT God! HE is the One who says, "Because I am going to help you!" Oh, that we would know God in His greatness better than we know ourselves in our weaknesses!
Prayer:
Father,
Please forgive us for all the times we fail to recognize You for who You are and for all the times we have minimized You and limited Your will and purpose for our lives. Once again, we repent and submit our lives to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Power and Strength
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-20 NLT
Thunderstorms. You either love them or hate them. They are fascinating to observe, but potentially horrific in property damage. Be that as it may, no matter how large the storm nor how fierce, eventually they blow themselves out and lose their power and strength.
We're rather like that. We start running with an idea or a mission we believe God has given us, but we try to get things accomplished using our own power and strength, then eventually have to acknowledge that we cannot sustain the level of power and strength required... especially if it has to do with changing something about ourselves or our lives.
The good news is that God never asks us to do anything without Him! He provides the power and the strength, the wisdom, the knowledge, the wherewithal - whatever is needed to accomplish everything He asks of us! And He alone can sustain the power and strength within us. As our Promise for Today clearly states, Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the power and strength You give us to carry out Your purpose and plan for us. Help us to stay focused on Your will for our lives. Keep us ever mindful that it is in You and You alone that we can accomplish anything worthwhile. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, October 28, 2019
Friends' Favorites - What Lies Ahead
And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24 NLT
Paul had his priorities completely in order. Nothing else mattered to him except to do the will of God. Whatever it took, his life included. Throughout the Book of Acts, we read of the confrontations, the averted confrontations and the escapes. His companions didn't want anything else bad to happen to him. They'd seen him stoned and whipped and imprisoned. In the next chapter, they beg him not to go to Jerusalem, but he could not be deterred. Paul was as dogged in his mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus as he was in his former pursuit and persecution of Christians.
When something bad happens, we always want to know why. If it happens to someone we know, most of us think it isn't right or fair. Human nature always seeks the path of least resistance. However, the truth is that there is no strength built unless there is resistance - something to push against - both in the natural and in our Christian walk.
Oftentimes, it is our greatest struggle that becomes our greatest testimony and an even greater witness to those around us. We don't always know what lies ahead, but God does. And He is trustworthy.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as Jesus prayed, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to stay focused on YOUR purpose for our lives while on the earth. Help us to see past the circumstances to Your perfect will, no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 20:22-24 NLT
Paul had his priorities completely in order. Nothing else mattered to him except to do the will of God. Whatever it took, his life included. Throughout the Book of Acts, we read of the confrontations, the averted confrontations and the escapes. His companions didn't want anything else bad to happen to him. They'd seen him stoned and whipped and imprisoned. In the next chapter, they beg him not to go to Jerusalem, but he could not be deterred. Paul was as dogged in his mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus as he was in his former pursuit and persecution of Christians.
When something bad happens, we always want to know why. If it happens to someone we know, most of us think it isn't right or fair. Human nature always seeks the path of least resistance. However, the truth is that there is no strength built unless there is resistance - something to push against - both in the natural and in our Christian walk.
Oftentimes, it is our greatest struggle that becomes our greatest testimony and an even greater witness to those around us. We don't always know what lies ahead, but God does. And He is trustworthy.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as Jesus prayed, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to stay focused on YOUR purpose for our lives while on the earth. Help us to see past the circumstances to Your perfect will, no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Perfectly Strong
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2nd Corinthians 12:9a NKJV
Are you strong? Are you able to bear up under great stresses and great loads? Do you realize that the only strength you have is what God gives to you for you to accomplish His will and plan?
I know people who all the time quote, "In my weakness, He is strength," but I'm not sure they realize what they're saying or asking. They think they're proclaiming God will make them even stronger when they feel weak. I don't think it's about that. I think it's about recognizing my weakness and inability to live life, and to do this on my own and in my own strength.
However, for years I tried to do exactly that. I would confess that Scripture and expect to be fortified with unbeatable strength of mind and will and body. It wasn't until I came to the end of myself, broken and undone, with no hope for tomorrow that I discovered the Truth about the strength of God. I threw myself on the altar, recognizing that I had nothing left. Face down before the Lord, I had to admit there was nothing in me that could do one more day of anything.
In that moment, when I confessed my weaknesses to God, I felt His love and strength. I was no longer full of myself, and in doing that, I had made room for God. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Recognizing that, taking in the Truth of His Word, I became truly, perfectly strong... but only in God.
Prayer:
Father,
Shine the Light on Your Word, rightly dividing it for us to ingest and become like You. We love you, Lord. Thank You for being our strength, our strong tower. Help us to walk in Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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